While we wait for news about DerbyWheel’s proposed keirin series, another Japanese sport has announced plans to bring its stars to the UK during 2025.
London’s Royal Albert Hall will host a sumo basho next October, with over 40 elite wrestlers competing over five days.
It will be the Japan Sumo Association’s first official overseas tour for 20 years, and coincides with the organisation’s centenary.
London has previously hosted sumo in 1991, at the same venue, to sellout crowds: the winner, Hakkaku Rijicho – then known as Hokutoumi – is now the JSA’s chairman.
Embed from Getty ImagesJapan’s ambassador to the UK, Hiroshi Suzuki told a press conference that he hoped the tournament would inspire a deeper appreciation of the rich traditions and profound history of Japan, and further promote cultural exchange between the two countries.
‘It says on the outside of the building, we were built for all nations,’ said Royal Albert Hall chief executive James Ainscough; ‘and so part of our job is to enable the British public to encounter different cultures and different experiences.’